People expected Italy to roll over at Twickenham but that does not happen in international rugby. The Italians were always going to show more fight, desire and commitment than they did the week before against France.

It was by no means a perfect performance because we lost a bit of composure in the second half but it was good that England were tested against Italy because you don't want to win these games easily and then lose a crunch game.

You want to be tested and be put under pressure and that's exactly what happened. It's been a good experience for the England players.

Harry Ellis had another great game. He did not have the space he enjoyed against Scotland but still contributed a huge amount to the England cause.

Nick Easter also played fantastically in his first game at that level and did not look out of place at all. He actually looked like a player with eight, nine or 10 caps.

England can definitely win in Dublin. France showed England how they can take on Ireland at Croke Park. Whoever your opposition are, you've got to put them under pressure. Whichever team deals with pressure best generally wins Test matches.

The return from injury of Brian O'Driscoll and Peter Stringer will be key for Ireland. O'Driscoll will not want to miss playing against England at Croke Park.